Sunday, January 18, 2009

Ireland lost their final match in the series against Canada at the Belfield this afternoon despite once again holding the majority of possession and chances.

They began strongly, forcing two corners in the first three minutes but failed to convert either chance. Megan Frazer flashed wide soon after as the Irish continued to dominate.

Nikki Symmons drag flick from their third corner went just wide of the post before Cathy McKean broke the deadlock in the 27th minute - the skipper for the day getting a typically opportunist goal.

The lead did not last long though as the Canucks profited from sloppy defending a minute later for Caillie O'Hara to put Canada on level terms.

The second half followed a similar pattern, Ireland going close but failing to take advantage. Symmons flicked wide from a 38th minute corner but it was Canada who showed the cutting edge, Abigail Raye netting their second corner with 12 minutes to go.

Canada's Natalie Wise was yellow carded soon after but try as Ireland might, they could not force an equaliser.

Speaking after the game, Gene Muller said: "We simply made too many errors and did not complete our good phases and movement. We only conceded a handful of chances but were let down by a lack of focus and concentration"

The Irish women's team have trouble scoring goals. The article says they struggled to capitalise on possession and force the ball in the back of the net - but the aim of the game is to score. We need people who are better in the circle. Maybe the Irish set up need to look further afield, away from the 'pretty' players and more towards the can-do gritty ones. I've seen better goalscorers in the top Ulster and Leinster teams than there are currently on the Irish panel.

Don't know about the girls up north, but I have seen some girls from Railway and Glenanne who compare with those on the Irish team. Nikki Daly from Glenanne and two or three from the front line from Railway (whose names I don't know)look dangerous in front of goal